What are the definitions of “tear up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Rip into pieces.
He TORE the fax UP and threw the bits of paper in the bin.
- 2Destroy.
They are TEARING UP the old part of town to build a new shopping centre.
- 3Have eyes fill with tears.
After hearing the tragic news he TEARED UP and could hardly speak.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “tear up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb tear up is to rip something into small pieces, usually paper. It can be used when someone is destroying a document, a letter, or any other piece of paper.
What are the different verb forms of “tear up”?
| Root Verb | tear up |
| Third Person Singular Present | tears up |
| Present Participle | tearing up |
| Simple Past | tore up |
| Past Participle | torn up |
Example
She decided to tear up the old letters from her ex-boyfriend.
Example
He tears up the junk mail as soon as it arrives.
Example
She is tearing up the old photos from her childhood.
Example
He tore up the contract after the disagreement.
Example
The old documents had been torn up and discarded.
What kind of phrasal verb is “tear up”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“tear up” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She tore up the letter after reading it.
Example
He tore the letter up and threw it away.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“tear up” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She tore up the letter after reading it.
Example
He tore the letter up and threw it away.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “tear up”?
Good things to know
Does “tear up” have an informal or formal tone?
Tear up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal situations. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, but it can also be used in more formal settings, depending on the context. For example, when discussing legal matters, such as tearing up a contract, it can have a more formal tone.
